Segmented beam aircraft passenger seat

ABSTRACT

A passenger seat movable from an upright to a recline position without encroaching on an aft-seated passenger, and including a seat base for being attached to a supporting surface. A unitary seating element is provided and includes a pair of laterally-spaced apart seat frames carried by the seat base, the seat frames defining a curved shape corresponding to the profile of an anatomically-appropriate seat bottom and seat back. A curved, semi-rigid diaphragm support is carried between the seat frames in alignment with the curved shape of the seat frames and mounted for movement relative to the seat frames between a first, upright position and a second, reclined position. A diaphragm is positioned under tension on the diaphragm support for providing a continuous seat bottom and seat back support surface for a seat occupant. Stretchers are attached to and extend between opposite sides of the diaphragm support for maintaining the diaphragm support in a spaced-apart condition with the diaphragm in tension.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an aircraft passenger seat. Aircraft passengerseats are typically constructed from modular components, the size,weight and construction of which are dictated by many considerations,including fuselage dimensions, aesthetic and safety considerations. Manyof these requirements are imposed by law or regulation. The lower seatchassis is constructed of leg modules, while the upper seat isconstructed of section assembly modules. In prior art seating systemsthe leg modules and section assembly modules are connected by mountingboth to a pair of parallel beams that extend laterally from one side ofthe seat or seat assembly to the other. This arrangement of thesupporting structure of the seat increases the seat's weight and limitsthe available space for passengers.

Accordingly, there is a need for a passenger seat that has enhancedspace, simplified design, and lighter weight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-mentioned need is meet by the present invention, which in oneembodiment provides a beam for a passenger seat, comprising a hollowbody having a first end defining a first cross-section for being mountedto a first seat frame, a second end defining a second cross-section forbeing mounted to a second spaced-apart seat frame, and a central portiondisposed between the first and second ends and defining a centralcross-section for being mounted to a seat base disposed centrally belowthe first and second seat frames. The body is curved such that thecentral portion is laterally downwardly offset from the first and secondends.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first,second, and central cross-sections of the beam are generally oval.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first andsecond cross-sections of the beam comprise a plurality of sides and thecentral cross-section is generally oval.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the body fothe beam comprises carbon fibers.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a metalliccellular truss core material is disposed in the body of the beam.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the body ofthe beam comprises aluminum.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the body ofthe beam comprises an amorphous alloy.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a passenger seat frameassembly comprises first and second spaced-apart seat frames, each ofthe seat frames defining a curved shape corresponding to the profile ofan anatomically-appropriate seat bottom and defining first and secondbeam mounting points respectively. A seat base is provided for beingattached to a supporting surface, the seat base having a central beammounting point disposed centrally between and lower than the first andsecond beam mounting points. A beam comprises a hollow body having afirst end defining a first cross-section, a second end defining a secondcross-section, and a central portion disposed between the first andsecond ends and defining a central cross-section. The body is curvedsuch that the central portion is laterally downwardly offset from thefirst and second ends, and the first end is attached to the first beammounting point, the second end is attached to the second mounting point,and the central portion is attached to the central beam mounting point.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a passenger seatcomprises first and second spaced-apart seat frames, each of the seatframes defining a curved shape corresponding to the profile of ananatomically-appropriate seat bottom and defining first and second beammounting points respectively. A seat base is provided for being attachedto a supporting surface, the seat base having a central beam mountingpoint disposed centrally between and lower than the first and secondbeam mounting points. A beam comprises a hollow body having a first enddefining a first cross-section, a second end defining a secondcross-section, and a central portion disposed between the first andsecond ends and defining a central cross-section. The body is curvedsuch that the central portion is laterally downwardly offset from thefirst and second ends, and the first end is attached to said first beammounting point, the second end is attached to the second mounting point,and the central portion is attached to the central beam mounting point.A diaphragm is positioned under tension between the first and secondseat frames for providing a continuous seat bottom and seat back supportsurface for a seat occupant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding part of thespecification. The invention, however, may be best understood byreference to the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a three-seat assembly according to apreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is front view of the seat assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a seat frame assemblyaccording to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the frameassembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing a beam having electroniccomponents disposed therein;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view showing a portion of a seat frameassembly and a seat beam according to an alternative embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a seat beam according to an alternativeembodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a three-seat set accordingto the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and shown generally atreference numeral 10 and comprises individual joined seats 10A, 10B, 10Cthat may be of the type that are movable from an upright to a reclineposition without encroaching on an aft-seated passenger. This type ofseating is conventionally referred to as “coach” or “main cabin” seatingas distinct from larger and more complex first class or business classseating. As will be seen below, the features of this invention are alsoapplicable to first and business class seating. The seat set 10 includesa seat base 11. The seat base 11 includes a pair of leg assemblies 12and 13 for being attached to a supporting surface by means ofconventional track fittings such as disclosed in applicant's U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,776,533; 5,169,091 and 5,871318. Four seat frames 14, 15, 16 and17 are connected by single laterally-extending beam 18. A baggage guardrail 19 prevents baggage stowed under the seats 10A, 10B, 10C fromsliding forward into the leg area of the passengers.

The beam 18 represents a radical departure from conventional seatdesign, where a pair of parallel fore-and aft beams provide support tothe entire seat structure. Each beam 18 is oval in cross-section anddownwardly curved laterally across the front of each of the seats 10A,10B, 10C. This combination of the oval cross-section and the curveprovides sufficient strength to support the entire on the leg assemblies12 and 13, thus eliminating the need for a second beam. Furthermore, theuse of several individual beams 18 for each seat increases eases theinstallation of the seat beam 18 because each end need only be insertedinto the associated seat frame, unlike a continuous beam extendingacross the entire seat set 10. This allows the use of a relatively wide,flat displaced seat portion (described in more detail below) whichminimizes the intrusion into the passenger seating area.

Each seat 10A, 10B, 10C thus includes a pair of the shared, laterallyspaced-apart seat frames 14, 15, 16 and 17, each of which has a curvedshape generally corresponding to the profile of ananatomically-appropriate generally horizontal seat bottom and generallyvertical seat back, and includes an extension to the floor. Arm rests22, 23, 24 and 25 are pivotally-mounted on respective seat frames 14,15, 16 and 17.

Each of the seats 10A, 10B, 10C, has a diaphragm 48 in the form of afabric seat suspension material. The material 48 provides a seatingsurface and is stretched under tension onto curved, semi-rigid diaphragmsupports (not shown) which are carried by seat frames in alignment withthe curved shape of the seat frames.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a portion of a seat frame assembly.The seat frame assembly includes first, second, third, and forthspaced-apart seat frames labeled 50, 52, 54 and 56, respectively. Atubular, curved beam 58 extends between each pair of seat frames. Thebeams 58 are received in mounting points which are defined by openings60 formed in the seat frames. The beams 58 are similar in constructionto the beams described above. Each beam includes a plurality ofspaced-apart mounting portions 62. A seat portion 64 is disposed betweenthe mounting portions 62. The beams 58 are curved such that seat portion64 is laterally downwardly offset from the mounting portions 62. Thebeams 58 may be secured to the seat frames by any known method, forexample by interference fit, welding, or adhesives.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of the beams 58 of FIG. 3. The beams 58each comprise a body having a hollow interior. The body may beconstructed of a material selected to give adequate strength and lowweight, for example a carbon-fiber containing composite material Toincrease the strength and stiffness of the beam 58, a low-density fillermay be disposed inside the hollow body. One suitable filler is ametallic cellular truss core material (not shown), the cellular trusscore material may be of a known type comprising a three-dimensionalmatrix of struts connected at nodes to create a low-density structuralmaterial. The cellular truss core material may be joined to the innersurface of the beam 58, for example with an adhesive. It is alsopossible that the beam 58 be left hollow and made of a differentmaterial, such as aluminum.

The beam 58 may also be constructed of an amorphous alloy of a knowntype. An amorphous alloy is an alloy which is glass-like in structure,lacking a crystalline lattice. Amorphous alloys have certain advantagesover conventional alloys, for example they are capable of exhibitingyield strength greater than titanium, while having a weight and costsimilar to aluminum. Amorphous alloys are resistant to work hardeningand they can be formed into complex shapes in a manner similar toinjection molding. One example of a suitable amorphous alloy has thefollowing approximate composition, in weight percent: 41.2 Zirconium,22.5 beryllium, 13.8 titanium, 12.5 copper, nickel 10.0. Such alloys areavailable from Liquidmetal Technologies, Tampa, Fla. 33602 USA.

The shape of the beam 58 may be such that the seat portion 64 isgenerally straight and a relatively short S-shaped or double-curvedtransition is provided between the seat portion and each mountingportion in order to offset the seat portion 64 by the required amount.This beam shape is shown in larger scale in FIG. 7.

FIG. 5 shows another view of the frame assembly shown in FIG. 4. Asillustrated, electrical components including one or more seatelectronics units 66 are disposed inside the beam 58, as shown at thecut-away sections in the Figure. The seat electronics units 66 maycontain electronic components associated with in-flight entertainment(IFE) equipment or other passenger-accessible electronics. Typically,one seat electronics unit 66 is provided for each seat 10A, 10B, and10C. The housing of the seat electronics units 66 are sized and shapedto fit into the interior of the beam. The seat electronics units 66 maybe electrically connected to each other or to aircraft circuits withappropriate cabling 68.

FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment of a seat assembly in which 4-sidedpolygonal ends of the beam 58 are received in seat frames 70 havingcomplimentary V-shaped openings 72 formed therein. The beam 58 may thenbe secured to the seat frames 70 by welding or adhesives, for example.

A passenger seat is described above. Various details of the inventionmay be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, theforegoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention andthe best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purposeof illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation the inventionbeing defined by the claims.

I claim:
 1. A beam for a passenger seat, comprising: a hollow bodyhaving a first end defining a first cross-section for being mounted to afirst seat frame, a second end defining a second cross-section for beingmounted to a second spaced-apart seat frame, and a central portiondisposed between said first and second ends and defining a centralcross-section for being mounted to a seat base disposed centrally belowsaid first and second seat frames, said body being curved such that saidcentral portion is laterally downwardly offset from said first andsecond ends, wherein said first and second cross-sections comprise aplurality of sides and said central cross-section is generally oval. 2.The beam according to claim 1, wherein said body comprises aluminum. 3.The beam according to claim 1, wherein said body comprises an amorphousalloy.
 4. The beam according to claim 1, wherein said body comprisescarbon fibers.
 5. The beam according to claim 1, wherein a metalliccellular truss core material is disposed in said body.
 6. A passengerseat frame assembly comprising: first and second spaced-apart seatframes, each of said seat frames defining a curved shape correspondingto a profile of an anatomically-appropriate seat bottom and definingfirst and second beam mounting points respectively; a seat base forbeing attached to a supporting surface, said seat base having a centralbeam mounting point disposed centrally between and lower than said firstand second beam mounting points; and a beam comprising a hollow bodyhaving a first end defining a first cross-section, a second end defininga second cross-section, and a central portion disposed between saidfirst and second ends and defining a central cross-section, wherein saidbody is curved such that said central portion is laterally downwardlyoffset from said first and second ends, and wherein said first end isattached to said first beam mounting point, said second end is attachedto said second beam mounting point, and said central portion is attachedto said central beam mounting point.
 7. The beam according to claim 6,wherein said body comprises an amorphous alloy.
 8. The passenger seatframe assembly of claim 6, wherein said first beam mounting pointcomprises an opening having a shape complementary to said firstcross-section of said beam, and said second beam mounting pointcomprises an opening having a shape complementary to said secondcross-section of said beam.
 9. The passenger seat frame assemblyaccording to claim 6, wherein said first, second, and centralcross-sections of said beam are generally oval.
 10. The passenger seatframe assembly according to claim 6, wherein said first and secondcross-sections of said beam comprise a plurality of sides and saidcentral cross-section is generally oval.
 11. The passenger seat frameassembly according to claim 6, wherein said body of said beam comprisescarbon fibers.
 12. The passenger seat frame assembly according to claim6, wherein a metallic cellular truss core material is disposed in saidbody of said beam.
 13. The passenger seat frame assembly according toclaim 6, wherein said body of said beam comprises aluminum.
 14. Apassenger seat comprising: first and second spaced-apart seat frames,each of said seat frames defining a curved shape corresponding to aprofile of an anatomically-appropriate seat bottom and defining firstand second beam mounting points respectively; a seat base for beingattached to a supporting surface, said seat base having a central beammounting point disposed centrally between and lower than said first andsecond beam mounting points; a beam comprising a hollow body having afirst end having a first cross-section, a second end having a secondcross-section, and a central portion disposed between said first andsecond ends and having a central cross-section, wherein said body iscurved such that said central portion is laterally downwardly offsetfrom said first and second ends, and wherein said first end is attachedto said first beam mounting point, said second end is attached to saidsecond mounting point, and said central portion is attached to saidcentral beam mounting point; and a diaphragm positioned under tensionbetween said first and second seat frames for providing a continuousseat bottom and seat back support surface for a seat occupant.
 15. Thebeam according to claim 14, wherein said body comprises an amorphousalloy.
 16. The passenger seat frame assembly of claim 14, wherein saidfirst beam mounting point comprises an opening having a shapecomplementary to said first cross-section of said beam, and said secondbeam mounting point comprises an opening having a shape complementary tosaid second cross-section of said beam.
 17. The passenger seat frameassembly according to claim 14, wherein said first cross-section, saidsecond cross-section, and said central cross-section of said beam areall generally oval.
 18. The passenger seat frame assembly according toclaim 14, wherein said first and second cross-sections of said beamcomprise a plurality of sides and said central cross-section isgenerally oval.
 19. The passenger seat frame assembly according to claim14, wherein said body of said beam comprises carbon fibers.
 20. Thepassenger seat frame assembly according to claim 14, wherein a metalliccellular truss core material is disposed in said body of said beam. 21.The passenger seat frame assembly according to claim 14, wherein saidbody of said beam comprises aluminum.